Wind Turbine Generator Cooling via Dynamic Fan Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling methods for electric generators in wind turbines fail to effectively manage temperature differences between end windings and permanent magnets, leading to derating of the generator when magnet temperatures exceed acceptable limits, even if winding temperatures are within limits, especially at low torque and high ambient temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A method that monitors both end winding and magnet temperatures, adjusting cooling fan power to provide different cooling powers based on temperature thresholds, allowing for optimized power production by ensuring both components operate within acceptable temperature ranges, including a strategy to derate the generator when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If generator is derated to protect magnets from overheating, then magnet temperature is controlled, but power production is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of static derating, the system uses dynamic cooling fan power adjustment to actively manage magnet temperature. By providing appropriate cooling power levels, the system maintains magnet temperature within acceptable limits while allowing the generator to operate at full power capacity, thus avoiding productivity loss from derating.
2Temperature
If cooling fans operate at full speed to prevent overheating, then component temperatures are controlled, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling fan operates at variable power levels instead of constant full speed. The system dynamically adjusts fan power based on real-time temperature monitoring of end windings and magnets, consuming energy only at the level necessary to maintain acceptable temperature limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling fan power parameter is changed from fixed full-speed operation to variable multi-level power operation. The system selects appropriate power levels (first, second, or third cooling power) based on temperature conditions, optimizing the balance between cooling effectiveness and energy consumption.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for increased power production by maintaining optimal temperatures for both end windings and magnets, preventing overheating and derating, thus maximizing generator efficiency across varying operational conditions.
Implementation Method 1
one or more cooling fans, which in their active state generate air flows through the electric generator, for cooling the end winding and the magnet
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method for cooling an electric generator including the steps of: monitoring the temperature of the end winding and of the magnet through said first and second temperature sensors, if the temperatures of the end winding and/or of the magnet rises and reaches a first upper limit, operating the plurality of cooling fans for providing a first cooling power to the electric generator, if, while the first cooling power is provided, the temperature of the magnet reaches the second maximum acceptable temperature and the temperature of the end winding is lower than the first maximum acceptable temperature, operating the plurality of cooling fans for providing a second cooling power to the electric generator, the second cooling power being lower than the first cooling power.